News Producer/Editor (Producer I)

WAMU 88.5 is the leading public radio station in the greater Washington, D.C. area. We provide in-depth and enterprise reporting alongside essential daily news and information that aims to reflect and serve the diverse communities of our region. We believe in news as a public service and put our current and future audience at the center of our work.

Summary:

The News Producer/Editor is a driving force behind WAMU’s Morning Edition, our flagship morning drive-time program. This key role also produces digital content for WAMU.org, NPR.org, and the NPR app. The News Producer/Editor monitors multiple news sources, writes and produces stories, and books guests on tight deadlines. They will identify critical updates, determine the best way to convey news updates on air, and ensure news reports align with WAMU’s strategy, sound, and style, while reflecting the diversity of our region.

The News Producer/Editor reports to WAMU’s supervising audio producer/editor and works closely with the newsroom to select and prepare stories from the reporting staff for the local news lineup. They will ensure content translates seamlessly across all platforms where WAMU local news is consumed, including the NPR app and smart speakers. Additionally, they will oversee the presentation of features, two-ways, and other stories on WAMU.org, producing content optimized for search and social media, consistent with WAMU’s editorial standards. Collaboration with the Audience Engagement team is essential to publish stories on NPR.org and other platforms, sharing our journalism with the widest possible audience.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Edits, writes, reports and produces local daily news stories for broadcast and online use. Ensures that daily newscasts contain a robust digest of news and headlines from around the region, as well as news spots. Monitors multiple news sources, transportation alerts, and weather alerts for information that must be conveyed to the WAMU audience.

Generates and develops creative ideas for segments, two-ways, and other on-air elements; researches topics and conducts interviews to develop and execute these ideas.

Produces and optimizes existing content for a variety of digital platforms, including WAMU.org, NPR.org and the NPR app.

While on air, monitors the show clock, and troubleshoots technical difficulties and breaking news circumstances; maintains emergency contact list.

Competencies:

Championing Customer Needs.

Evaluating and Implementing Ideas.

Developing Plans.

Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.

Building and Supporting Teams.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full Time, 35 hours/week.

This position requires working an early morning schedule from 4:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Salary Range:

$66,315 - $69,000, commensurate with experience.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

3-5 years of relevant experience in a newsroom environment

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience.

5-8 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

3-5 years experience producing and editing content in a fast-paced deadline-driven broadcast environment.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Strong news judgment, and an ability to make good decisions quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to generate fresh story angles, and willingness to experiment with new show approaches.

Superior organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.

Experience producing digital content.

A strong appetite for daily local news coverage.

Strong skills working in a collaborative news environment, working on multi-person projects, supporting colleagues, and participating in newsroom planning and strategizing.

Knowledge of and a commitment to audio storytelling and the mission of public media journalism.